SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Georgia Southern Eagles have been voted the preseason favorite to win the 2013 Southern Conference softball championships in voting conducted by the league's head coaches. Appalachian State senior Allie Cashion was named the preseason Player of the Year while Georgia Southern junior Sarah Purvis was named the preseason Pitcher of the Year.

Georgia Southern, last season's regular season and tournament champion, tallied seven first place votes for a total of 63 points. Purvis, last season's SoCon Tournament Most Outstanding Player, was named first-team preseason all-conference.

Chattanooga was picked to finish second and received two first-place votes for a total of 58 points. The Lady Mocs placed six on the preseason all-conference teams, the most of any team in the conference.

Last season's tournament runner-up, College of Charleston, was picked to finish third after tallying 50 points. The Cougars had five all-conference selections.

Appalachian State was picked to finish fourth and earned three all-conference nods. Elon rounded out the top five with 32 points.

The season begins Friday, February 8 with league teams participating in opening weekend tournaments.

The 2013 Southern Conference Softball Championship is scheduled for May 8-11 in Greensboro, N.C.